Coconut Grove Arts Festival Awards $45,000 in Scholarships to Miami-Dade’s Rising Art Stars

The Ceremony honored 15 Talented High School Graduates with $3,000 Each

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) Board of Directors awarded $45,000 in scholarships to 15 outstanding high school seniors from Miami-Dade County. Each student receive da $3,000 scholarship in recognition of their exceptional artistic talent and dedication during a private scholarship ceremony on Sunday, May 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove, located at 2649 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133. Friends and family of the students being honored were invited to attend this inspiring event, where they got to see some of the student’s artwork.

As one of the most celebrated outdoor fine arts festivals in the country, CGAF has long recognized that the future of the arts lies in the creativity and passion of the next generation. “Supporting our vision is at the heart of the festival’s mission. These young artists are truly extraordinary,” said Dave Hill, Chairman of the CGAF Board of Directors. “Recognizing their contributions to our creative community and helping them pursue their dreams through education is one of the most meaningful things we do each year.”

The $45,000 awarded this year is part of CGAF’s broader $75,000 annual scholarship fund, which also supports students currently enrolled in Florida International University’s art programs. Camille Marchese, CGAF’s Executive Director, emphasized the transformative power of art in young lives. “We’re deeply committed to fostering new talent, and our scholarship program is a vital part of that,” said Marchese. “By supporting these promising young artists, we not only help them develop their craft -we help them find a voice, a purpose, and a creative future.”

About the Scholarship Program
The CGAF scholarship program is available to graduating seniors from Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Finalists are selected through a rigorous review process. This year’s recipients were chosen by the founding members of the Fund for Design & Art Education, who originally established this scholarship. Marlen Kohn, Marilyn Traeger, and Cathi Rivera assessed students’ art portfolios, artist statements, and teacher recommendations. The CGAF Board is grateful to these retired art educators for their continued dedication to arts education, supporting visual arts students in our community.

2025 Scholarship Recipients
This year’s recipients use a variety of mediums to convey their relationship with their culture, religion, family and/or self. The 15 students represent the very best of Miami-Dade’s young creative talent. Most attended school on free or partially paid for lunches but are now headed to college with a little more money in their pockets.

About the Coconut Grove Arts Festival
For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, has been dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the organization champions South Florida’s arts community through educational programs – and by hosting one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held annually over Presidents’ Day weekend this three-day event features 285 juried artists across multiple visual categories, live performances, and interactive art experiences along Coconut Grove’s scenic bay front streets. Proceeds fund impactful year-round programs, including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, the Visiting Artists Program, and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program. Learn more at cgaf.com.